ARVC Pushing for 6-Month Extension on Pool Lift Compliance

March 22, 2012 by Justin Leighty
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The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) plans to seek a six-month extension of new pool lift requirements that have been proposed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to a news release.

“While we fully agree with the intent of the Act, we’re going to make the case that the proposed pool lift requirements are out of synch with existing ADA requirements that apply to other amenities in campgrounds, RV parks and resorts,” said Al Johnson, chairman of ARVC’s Government Affairs Committee, which is leading campground industry efforts to postpone enforcement of the proposed ADA pool lift requirements.

ARVC’s board of directors has directed the Washington, D.C., law firm of McDermott Will & Emery to submit comments to the Department of Justice by April 4, which will outline private park operator concerns about the proposed pool lift requirements.

Public accommodations, such as RV parks and campgrounds, must bring existing pools into compliance with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design to the extent it is readily achievable to do so. The old compliance deadline was March 15.

ARVC will also continue to provide its members with key talking points and other information to use in their correspondence with congressional and DOJ officials on this issue, Johnson said, adding that ARVC officials will discuss park operator concerns about the proposed pool lift requirements in face-to-face meetings with congressional representatives in May.

“ARVC is going to continue to lead campground industry efforts on the ADA pool lift issue and will do so in concert with our industry partners,” Johnson said.

ARVC’s industry partners include the American Hotel & Lodging Association, American Resort Development Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the National Apartment Association, the National Multi Housing Council, The Real Estate Roundtable, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the World Water Park Association.

Last Thursday, Attorney General Eric Holder approved a 60-day extension that will push the compliance date for new ADA pool lift requirements following an aggressive letter writing campaign orchestrated by ARVC and other business groups.

For more information on the ADA requirements and the extension of the compliance deadline by the Department of Justice, visit www.ada.gov.